Words Mean What They Mean

While Steven Pinker argued that several times in life words are used to define relationships and create boundaries, words can be used to express true feelings and reciprocate strong relationships. While I may mention "Do you think you can pass the salt," it doesn't necessarily label our relationship. I may have asked her a question instead of a command like "Gimme the salt" to be polite because being polite is my personality. Words can be spouted out based on moods and feelings, and the fact that Pinker represents words as an influential power that constantly affects a person life can be untrue. Human nature doesn't always have to entail being 'intentional' or 'upright.' Sometimes words can be used to express feelings at the time, without a second-handed thought. Not all words have to have a reason or purpose. Although I don't necessarily agree with Pinker, I definitely have a newfound appreciation for the complexities of language; his piece created a new insight into how our minds work in the world, about ourselves and affect those around us. 

After reading the piece, my interest in what Pinker's book, "The Stuff of Thought," increased. He analyzes human nature and negotiates the relationship between the reader and audience. As a psychologist, Pinker contemplates the meaning of the word "f***" in "f*** you." Do you know? I don't. Pinker paints human nature as having "distinct and universal properties, some of which are innate – determined at birth by genes rather than shaped primarily by the environment."

                                                 https://youtu.be/LjQM8PzCEY0

This is a TED talk by Pinker. He talks about language habits and grammatical structure, and the in-depth meaning of what we say on a daily basis. Highly recommend it.